# Spooked!: How a Radio Broadcast and the War of the Worlds Sparked the 1938 Invasion of America - Hardcover

by **Gail Jarrow** (Author)

**Washington Post Best Children's Book**

This book for young readers explores in riveting detail the false panic created by the famous _War of the Worlds_ radio broadcast from 1938--as well as the repercussions of "fake news" today.  
On the night of October 30, 1938, thousands of Americans panicked when they believed that Martians had invaded Earth. What appeared to be breaking news about an alien invasion was in fact a radio drama based on H. G. Wells's _War of the Worlds_, performed by Orson Welles and his Mercury Theatre players. Some listeners became angry once they realized they had been tricked, and the reaction to the broadcast sparked a national discussion about fake news, propaganda, and the role of radio. In this compelling nonfiction chapter book, Gail Jarrow explores the production of the broadcast, the aftermath, and the concept of "fake news" in the media.

### Author Biography

**Gail Jarrow's** books have earned many awards, including the YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults, a Sibert Honor, Orbis Pictus Honor, YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction finalist, a Notable Social Studies Trade Book, NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Book and Best STEM book, The Jefferson Cup Award, a Eureka! Gold Award, as well as Kirkus Reviews and School Library Journal Best Books and VOYA Honor Book distinctions. She lives in Ithaca, New York. Visit gailjarrow.com.

**Number of Pages:** 144

**Dimensions:** 0.6 x 10.1 x 8.4 IN

**Illustrated:** Yes

**Publication Date:** August 07, 2018

**Award:** Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award (2019)

**Award:** Golden Kite (2019)

**Accelerated Reader:**

**Quiz Name:** Spooked! How a Radio Broadcast and the War of the Worlds Sparked the 1938 Invasion of America

**Interest Level:** Middle Grades, 4-8

**Reading Level:** 7.2

**Point Value:** 4

## Details

- **Price:** 22.99 USD
- **Vendor:** Books by splitShops
- **Type:** Books
- **Tags:** Books by splitShops, Shopify Collective

## Variants

| Variant | Price | Available |
|---------|-------|-----------|
| Default Title | 22.99 USD | In stock |

## Images

- Spooked!: How a Radio Broadcast and the War of the Worlds Sparked the 1938 Invasion of America - Hardcover

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> Updated: 2026-07-23